Steering Assembly Bracket for Off-Highway Vehicle Wheel Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering assemblies for recreational off-highway vehicles face challenges in achieving large wheel travel for larger-sized tires, as traditional joints trade working angle for strength or stability, making it difficult to accommodate the increased size and weight of larger tires.
Innovation Solution
The proposed steering assembly includes a steering gearbox, a bracket, a rotational motion restriction structure, and a translational motion restriction structure. The bracket is coupled to the steering rack and includes tie rod connections located axially inward of the rack ends, with the rotational and translational motion restriction structures positioned at different locations to optimize wheel travel and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional joints are used to connect tie rods to the steering assembly, then strength or stability (ball pop-out resistance) is improved, but working angle (range of motion) is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the functions of strength provision and motion enablement into distinct components: the housing and bracket provide structural strength and stability, while the ball joints provide the necessary working angle and range of motion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ball joints as intermediary elements between the steering assembly and tie rods. These ball joints act as mediators that transmit forces while accommodating the required working angles, resolving the conflict between needing strong connections and needing large ranges of motion for larger tires.
2Length of moving object
If larger-sized tires are used to handle rough terrain, then wheel travel capability is improved, but the working angle requirement increases which conflicts with joint strength
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs dynamic ball joints that can accommodate varying working angles throughout the steering range. These joints are designed to maintain stability and strength while allowing the necessary dynamic range of motion for larger tires with increased wheel travel requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the steering system by using ball joints with optimized geometry and materials that allow for larger working angles without sacrificing strength. This enables the system to accommodate larger tires and greater wheel travel while maintaining joint stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering assembly basically includes a steering gearbox, a bracket, a rotational motion restriction structure, and a translational motion restriction structure. The steering gearbox includes a housing and a steering rack. The steering rack has a first rack end and a second rack end. The bracket is coupled to the first rack end. The bracket includes a first tie rod connection located axially inward of the first rack end and the second rack end with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the steering rack. The rotational motion restriction structure is configured to restrict rotational movement of the bracket relative to the longitudinal center axis of the steering rack. The translational motion restriction structure is configured to limit translational movement of the steering rack along the longitudinal center axis of the steering rack. The rotational motion restriction structure and the translational motion restriction structure are located at different locations.